Obituary: Norbert Ralph Lechner, 81

Norbert Ralph Lechner, 81, of Nebraska City died Oct. 17, 2013 at his home. He was born on July 11, 1932 in Nebraska City to Carl Frank and Viola Elma (Tucker) Lechner.

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Nebraska City News-Press - Nebraska City, NE

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Posted Oct. 20, 2013 at 10:18 AM

Posted Oct. 20, 2013 at 10:18 AM

Nebraska City, Neb.

Norbert Ralph Lechner, 81, of Nebraska City died Oct. 17, 2013 at his home. He was born on July 11, 1932 in Nebraska City to Carl Frank and Viola Elma (Tucker) Lechner.

He attended District #30 Country School through the eighth grade and then attended the Nebraska City High School, graduating in 1951.

He entered the Army on Jan. 15, 1953 and served during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 23, 1954. After coming home from the war, Norbert married Joella Jean Clark on July 28, 1956 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Nebraska City.

Norbert worked hard all his life, working at many jobs. Before entering the service he worked for the railroad. After returning home, he worked at Otoe Concrete and Otoe Foods/ Morton House Kitchens/ Lipton for 27 years, primarily in maintenance. Following the closing of the factory, he worked a short time for Rhinehart Electric and then at American Meter for 15 years before retiring in 1997. He was a long-time member of American Legion Post #8 in Nebraska City and St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joella Lechner of Nebraska City; five children: Chris Kohout and husband Kim of Nebraska City, Lori Anderson of Richardson, Texas, Amy Malmberg of Nebraska City, Clark Lechner and wife Lori of Lakewood, Colo., and Scott Lechner and wife Linda of Lincoln; three siblings: Arnold Lechner and wife Birdean of San Antonio, Texas, Kathleen Griepenstroh and husband Arlen of Nebraska City, and Jean Godak and husband Frank of Norfolk, Va.; other family and friends.

He was preceded by son Jerry Lee Lechner on Aug. 20, 2000 and grandson Rick Anderson.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Nebraska City with Fr. Michael McCabe officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date at St. Benedict’s Cemetery in Nebraska City.

A Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at Gude Mortuary in Nebraska City, followed by the family greeting friends.